Bills hang on for the win: 4 takeaways from Bucs' brutal loss to Buffalo

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have now fallen to 2-4 this season following a brutal 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. The Bucs were able to bounce back on their road to redemption during the second half of the game, but Steven Hauschka’s game-winning field goal within the final minutes of the day ultimately sealed Buffalo’s win. Though it was a close game, the Bucs were still unable to get the job done and notch a much-needed win on the road. With that said, here are a few takeaways from the Bucs’ loss.

Despite the loss, the Bucs appear to have finally kicked their kicking game woes to the curb

After months filled with the drama surrounding the Bucs’ kicking game, it appears the team has finally put an end to their struggles. Patrick Murray, who was signed to replace Nick Folk, nailed all of his field goals and extra point attempts. Murray hit a 50-yarder in the first quarter to help the Buccaneers get on the board and also completed a 25-yarder with 22 seconds remaining in the first quarter. He finished the day with a flawless performance and looked comfortable and confident while doing so. Overall, Murray proved that Tampa Bay made the right decision in bringing him back to serve as the Bucs’ kicker this season following weeks and weeks of scrutiny. Murray was 2-for-2 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra point attempts.

Somebody get Bucs kicker Patrick Murray a key to the city of Tampa. His 50-yard field goal to start the game gives Bucs a 3-0 lead.

Rookie tight end O.J. Howard is off to an incredibly fast start in the NFL

Howard helped the Buccaneers score the first touchdown of the day thanks to a 7-yard touchdown catch. Shortly after, he took advantage of the Bills’ blown coverage and hauled in his second touchdown of the afternoon. He finished the day with 6 catches for 98 yards and his 98 receiving yards are the most by a Buccaneers tight end since 2015 (Austin Seferian-Jenkins 110 vs. the Titans).

Despite Jameis Winston’s injury, he still shined

Winston finished the game 31-for-43 with 385 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Overall, he put on a strong performance and anchored Tampa Bay’s offense even in the midst of dealing with an AC sprain he hasn’t fully recovered from. Winston connected with Mike Evans, O.J. Howard, DeSean Jackson and Cameron Brate on key drives and did everything in his power to help the Bucs bounce back in the second half.

I can’t imagine how whiny I’d be six days after a sprained AC joint in my shoulder.

Tampa Bay made far too many costly mistakes once again

The Bucs came awfully close to notching a much-needed road game win. All they needed was a field goal to tie the game up and clinch a victory. However, they wouldn’t have been in that position to even lose the game in the first place if the Bucs hadn’t fumbled numerous times, surrendered so many yards and the defense truly did their job and tackled in order to prevent the Bills from making explosive plays. There was a lack of pass rush once again, the Bucs struggled to contain Tyrod Taylor and the defense gave up serious chunks of yardage which all contributed to the Bucs’ brutal loss.

#Bucs defense needs a complete overhaul. Only players that would be safe are Kwon and Lavonte.